Full Steam Ahead: America's stories on display

After the winter doldrums and somber Memorial Day observances, July's arrival came with a fresh celebration of our heritage when Americans reinforced their love and pride of the nation they inherited with parades and patriotic songs. The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts celebrated by playing spirited music at the Marine Museum. Patriotism is often expressed in music because it stirs an emotion not experienced with words alone.

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By Phil HudnerMarine Museum at Fall River

The Herald News, Fall River, MA

By Phil HudnerMarine Museum at Fall River

Posted Aug. 2, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 4, 2014 at 12:30 PM

By Phil HudnerMarine Museum at Fall River

Posted Aug. 2, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 4, 2014 at 12:30 PM

» Social News

After the winter doldrums and somber Memorial Day observances, July’s arrival came with a fresh celebration of our heritage when Americans reinforced their love and pride of the nation they inherited with parades and patriotic songs. The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts celebrated by playing spirited music at the Marine Museum. Patriotism is often expressed in music because it stirs an emotion not experienced with words alone.

Two hundred years ago, on the night of Sept. 13, 1814, the British bombarded Fort McHenry a week after setting Washington on fire during the War of 1812. Watching the bombardment all night and seeing the tattered flag still waving in defiance of the British attack, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write a poem describing the battle and its significance. The poem was eventually set to music thought to have been written by English composer John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a men’s social club in London. The song became known as the Star Spangled Banner. There were many patriotic songs written such as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “America the Beautiful.”

The “Star Spangled Banner’s” popularity increased with its singing at the World Series beginning in 1917 during World War I. It was named the National Anthem by Congress on March 3, 1931.

Our flag has been immortalized in several songs such as “Stars and Stripes Forever.” This march became immensely popular when Arthur Fiedler, the irrepressible maestro of the Boston Pops, concluded his July Fourth concerts at the Boston Esplanade with rousing renditions of the march, the audience standing, dancing, clapping, waving flags, and singing the lyrics as loud as their vocal cords would allow. For added emphasis, a spectacular array of fireworks followed. This year, July 4 was ushered in by Hurricane Arthur, accompanied by lightning. I couldn’t help but think of the symbolism. Arthur Fiedler was held in such esteem that the City of Boston erected a statue of him on the bank of the Charles River near the Esplanade where he enthralled thousands with spirited patriotic music. “Stars and Stripes Forever” was declared the national march by Congress in 1987.

The outflowing of national pride makes me pause to reflect on how we got to be who we are as a nation. It didn’t just happen. The colonists who settled here had a vision, expressed in the Declaration of Independence: “...all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Independence did not come easily. Many patriots rebelling against English tyranny were killed or suffered physically, financially, and emotionally as they fought for their liberty. Signers of the Declaration of Independence were executed as traitors, driven into hiding, or otherwise suffered from the wrath of the King’s army.

Page 2 of 3 - At Battleship Cove, the Marine Museum and the Railroad Museum recall the days of innovation and courage by those with a dream and the will to take chances.

Across the street is the Battleship Massachusetts Memorial which honors the men and women who served in the military to protect those pursuing their dreams, keeping them free from tyranny and oppression.

During the early days, the Navy was our first line of defense. The Continental Navy was created in 1775 during the Revolutionary War. It built frigates primarily to intercept shipments of British goods and generally disrupt British maritime commerce. One was the 32-gun frigate USS Hancock, named after the signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Marine Museum is privileged to possess a six-foot-long and five-foot-high model of the Hancock, made from 300 pounds of whalebone. In 1785, the Continental Navy was disbanded and the ships were auctioned off to raise money for the cash strapped nation.

The disbandment of the Colonial Navy left our fledging country vulnerable with no effective sea power to protect itself or its interests abroad. Among the concerns were the pirates off the Barbary coast of Africa threatening U.S. shipping. On March 24, 1794, President George Washington signed the Naval Armament Act calling for the construction of six frigates. As a result, a 44-gun frigate was built in Boston and launched on Oct. 21, 1797.

It was named the USS Constitution as a reminder of the American values the ship was built to defend. The United States became trading partners of England and France. However, England and France declared war on each other in 1793. England imposed restrictions on the United States to limit its trade with France. Additionally, British ships kidnapped more than 5,000 American sailors thought to be former British subjects, forcing them to serve on British ships. President James Madison responded by declaring war on England on June 18, 1812.

The Constitution, having won all its previous engagements in the Quasi War with France and the Barbary Wars, defeated four English warships. She earned the title “Old Ironsides,” becoming an icon in the U.S. Navy. This was the emergence of the United States as a formidable sea power. Today the Constitution is berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard, a living symbol of America’s prowess in naval warfare.

The USS Massachusetts carried on the tradition established during the time when ships like the USS Constitution set the standard. Big Mamie, which earned 11 battle stars, was the first and last Navy ship to fire 16-inch shells against the enemy in World War II, the first being in the Atlantic theater and the last in the Pacific theater against the Japanese mainland.

No member of the crew was killed during this period. Aug. 14 marks the end of World War II when, on this day in 1945, Emperor Hirohito surrendered. The USS Massachusetts has become more than a memorial. It is a vibrant reminder of America’s resolve to defend its freedom.

Page 3 of 3 - Battleship Cove is bustling with activity. Be sure to visit the Marine Museum at 70 Water St. It’s handicap accessible with no stairs to climb.

Phil Hudner retired from Bank of America and lives in Westport, where he was a member of the Planning Board. He currently serves as a trustee of the Marine Museum.